Hidden Mate

12

I wanted to tell Egan, “Don’t. Don’t trust us.” My dad and Brock’s pack would use anything they could to stay in complete control. The dragons were fierce warriors and the biggest threat to wolves retaining the most control.

“I’m sure that’s true,” Egan said as his dragon-shaped pupils landed back on me. I shook my head ever so slightly, hoping he picked up on my nonverbal message.

His pupils went back to their normal shape. “But I’d be going against my family’s wishes, so I can’t. I’m sure you understand.”

Thank God. “I can respect that,” I chimed in to defuse any more of Brock’s attempts to get that information.

Brock frowned. “So, why are you here?”

Can he be any more obvious? Roxy cut her eyes at me. We’ve been sitting for two seconds, and he’s already drilling him.

Maybe I shouldn’t have invited Egan to eat with us. I’d hoped he wouldn’t be like this. I had feared he would be, but I didn’t know Brock all that well. We hung out together occasionally when my dad forced me, but he usually filled the time by talking about himself. I rarely had to add anything to the conversation.

“My kind have been hidden for so long.” Egan grabbed his water and took a sip. “We thought it was time for us to assimilate back into the general supernatural population, and I wanted to attend college. I did some research and figured this would be a good place to get an education, and there are always a handful of supernaturals who attend here. It made sense.”

Faint footsteps came from the woods.

I faced the trees. “I thought you said humans were afraid of this area.”

“I did.” Roxy leaned toward me. “But who’s to say they’re human?”

That’s true. I hadn’t considered it. At least two vampires attended here, though vampires didn’t usually hang out in woods unless they were hunting.

The wind blew in our direction, and the familiar scent of rain hit my nose. Everyone grew silent, listening for who was heading our way.

Axel cleared his throat. “So, this girl …”

Oh God. Were they talking about me? I forced myself to keep calm. I didn’t need Brock or Roxy to figure it out if they were.

I couldn’t see Donovan yet, but his tone held an edge as he said, “Don’t know who you’re talking about.”

“Pink hair.” Axel paused. “And hot.”

They were talking about me. Luckily, I’d noticed a few girls around campus with colorful hair. I hoped that would keep me off their radar, but Roxy linked with me. You little vixen.

A low growl escaped Donovan.

It was odd. Humans didn’t usually growl.

And he has it bad. Roxy stayed facing the woods, which saved Brock from being alerted that something was off. Girl.

“Did you just growl at me?” Axel asked with surprise.

“Uh …” Donovan’s head bobbed into view through the trees. “I did.” He rubbed his hands together.

They walked the remaining several feet in silence.

They stepped out of the woods and startled, not expecting anyone to be out there. We should’ve made noise. Humans didn’t stay quiet or still like we were.

Donovan’s shoulders sagged when he saw who I was sitting with. He stepped toward us and winced. He opened his mouth to say something but stopped short when Brock stood.

“C

an I help you?” Brock straightened his shoulders, staring at the two humans.

“Actually …” Axel glowered at me.

“No.” Donovan shook his head at his friend. “We were just finishing a hike, that’s all.”

“Are you sure?” Brock said mockingly. “You’re staring awfully hard at Sadie.”

“Oh, come on.” Roxy waved her hand. “It’s not her. Look at the amount of food piled in front of Egan. I’ve been gaping at it the entire time too.” You owe me big time.

She’d demand a long explanation tonight. I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Maybe I need to stop helping these two humans out, Roxy goaded me. I mean, let Brock chew them up and spit them out.

“It takes a lot to stay in this kind of shape.” Egan chewed a bit of food. “I work out hours and hours every day.”

He was full of s**t. That was one nice thing about being a shifter: strength, speed, and endurance came naturally. I had to tease him. “Well, it sure seems like you might be gaining some pudge on that belly.”

“What?” He feigned shock. “Then, I’ll add an extra hour next week.”

“Maybe I should be there to spot you.” Roxy flipped her hair around her finger. “You’ll need someone to keep you accountable and honest.”

“Are you serious?” Brock’s face wrinkled with disgust. “Your family isn’t—”

If I didn’t stop him, he’d say something discriminating. “She broke up with you years ago. Stop pining for her.”

“No—” Brock started.

“You need to accept that it’s over.” Roxy tried to hide her smile. “You can’t still be hung up on me while attempting to date my best friend.”

“Uh …” Axel groaned and looked at Donovan. “Let’s, uh, leave them to their dinner.”

I couldn’t blame him for being weirded out. This could pass for a scene in a soap opera.

“Sorry we bothered you.” Donovan started toward the Student Center, but his eyes landed back on me. “You all have a good night.”

His nice attitude caught me off guard. Was it because of the entire group or because of me? I felt like it had to be Brock and all of the animosity rolling off him.

I forced myself to take a bite like nothing was bothering me as the two humans headed off; however, I could feel Brock’s gaze on me.

“What the hell was that about?” he growled when they were far enough away.

“You were about to run your mouth.” I pointed my fork at him. “You can’t go around talking about how Roxy can’t make comments about Egan with humans in the area unless you wanna come off like a jealous ex-boyfriend.”

“Why does it have to be ex?” Egan chuckled.

Roxy gestured to Brock. “Because there’s no way in hell I’d ever date someone like him.”

“Oh, please.” Brock pretended to gag. “Like I’d be interested in a weakling like you.”

“You f*****g—” she began, but I cut her off.

This was going downhill and fast. “You two, stop it.”